Vehicle mobile device holder assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle mobile device holder assembly includes a base, a first articulating section and a second articulating section. The base is shaped and dimensioned to fit within a beverage container recess of a center console of a passenger vehicle. The base has an open central area dimension and shaped to receive a beverage container. The base further includes an attachment portion. The first articulating section is attached to attachment portion of the base. The second articulating section is attached to the first articulating section and has a mobile device retaining section.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to avehicle mobile device holder assembly that is installed within abeverage container recess of a vehicle center console and is dimensionedand shaped to receive a beverage container.

Background Information

Center consoles of vehicle typically include a beverage container recess(also referred to as a cup holder). There are various mobile deviceholders for vehicles that install to the beverage container recess butare dimensioned such that the beverage container recess can no longerreceive a beverage container or cup.

SUMMARY

One object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile deviceholder assembly with a base that fits into a beverage container recessof a vehicle center console and has an open central area dimension andshaped to receive a beverage container.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a vehicle mobile device holder assembly with abase, a first articulating section and a second articulating section.The base is shaped and dimensioned to fit within a beverage containerrecess of a center console of a passenger vehicle. The base has an opencentral area dimension and shaped to receive a beverage container. Thebase further includes an attachment portion. The first articulatingsection is attached to attachment portion of the base. The secondarticulating section is attached to the first articulating section andhas a mobile device retaining section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a center console removed from a vehicleshowing a vehicle mobile device holder assembly installed within abeverage container recess of the center console in accordance with afirst embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view showing a portion of the centerconsole depicted in FIG. 1 , showing the vehicle mobile device holderassembly installed within the beverage container recess of the centerconsole in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of center console and thesections of the vehicle mobile device holder assembly, showing a base, afirst articulating section, a second articulating section and a mobiledevice retaining section of the vehicle mobile device holder assembly inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base removed from the vehicle mobiledevice holder assembly in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the center console showing the vehicle mobiledevice holder assembly installed to a beverage container recess of thecenter console in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the vehicle mobile device holder assembly withthe base removed in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the vehicle mobile device holder assembly withthe base removed in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly looking forward with the base installed within thebeverage container recess of the center console showing the firstarticulating section during installation to the base in accordance withthe first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly similar to FIG. 8 with the base installed within thebeverage container recess of the center console and the firstarticulating section installed to the base showing beam of the secondarticulating section during installation to the first articulatingsection in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is yet another exploded perspective view of the vehicle mobiledevice holder assembly with the base installed within the beveragecontainer recess of the center console, the first articulating sectioninstalled to the base and showing a panel of the mobile device retainingsection during installation to the beam of the second articulatingsection in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view looking rearward of the vehiclemobile device holder assembly with the first articulating sectioninstalled to the base and the mobile device retaining section installedto the beam of the second articulating section and showing first andsecond clamping parts being installed to the panel of the mobile deviceretaining section in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view looking rearward of the vehiclemobile device holder assembly with the first articulating sectioninstalled to the base and the mobile device retaining section installedto the beam of the second articulating section and showing first andsecond clamping parts being installed to the panel of the mobile deviceretaining section in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the center console and vehiclemobile device holder assembly with a beverage container placed withinthe base and the beverage container recess of the center console inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the first and second articulating sectionsand the mobile device retaining section showing a gap between sectionsof the beam of the second articulating section in accordance with thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the first and second articulatingsections and the mobile device retaining section showing a charging plugand wire extending therefrom installed to a mobile device retainedwithin the mobile device retaining section in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a schematic part cross-sectional view of the vehicle mobiledevice holder assembly with the beverage container placed within thebase showing the position of the mobile device relative to the beveragecontainer in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holder assemblywith the beverage container showing the mobile device and the secondarticulating section pivoted to a first orientation relative to thefirst articulating section where pivoting movement is about pivot pinsof the first articulating section in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 18 is another schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holderassembly with the beverage container showing the mobile device and thesecond articulating section pivoted to a second orientation relative tothe first articulating section where pivoting movement is about pivotpins of the first articulating section in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holder assemblywith the beverage container showing the mobile device and the mobiledevice retaining section pivoted to a third orientation relative to thesecond articulating section where the pivoting movement is about pivotpins of the second articulating section in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holder assemblywith the beverage container showing the mobile device and the mobiledevice retaining section pivoted to a fourth orientation relative to thesecond articulating section where the pivoting movement is about pivotpins of the second articulating section in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a center console and a vehicle mobiledevice holder assembly in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view, similar to FIG. 21 , showingfeatures a base of the vehicle mobile device holder assembly inaccordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly showing the first articulating section installed to thebase, the second articulating section installed to the firstarticulating section with a mobile device retaining section installed tothe second articulating section in accordance with the secondembodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the vehicle mobile device holderassembly showing the first articulating section installed to the base,the second articulating section installed to the first articulatingsection with the mobile device retaining section and mobile device inaccordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the vehicle mobile device holderassembly showing the mobile device rotated 90 degrees relative to thesecond articulating structure such that the mobile device retainingsection is oriented to secure the mobile device in place in accordancewith the second embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the vehicle mobile device holderassembly showing a first attachment structure and a second attachmentstructure of the mobile device retaining section and further showing themobile device and the second attachment structure released from thefirst attachment structure of mobile device retaining section inaccordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the first attachment structure of the mobiledevice retaining section showing a pair of projections in accordancewith the second embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a cross-section view of the first attachment structure of themobile device retaining section taken along the lines 28-28 in FIG. 27showing the pair of projections in accordance with the secondembodiment;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the second attachment structure of themobile device retaining section showing a pair of recesses in accordancewith the second embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a cross-section view of the second attachment structure ofthe mobile device retaining section taken along the lines 30-30 in FIG.29 showing the pair of recesses in accordance with the secondembodiment;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holder assemblyshowing the mobile device and the second articulating section pivoted toa first orientation relative to the first articulating section wherepivoting movement is about pivot pins of the first articulating sectionin accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 32 is another schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holderassembly showing the mobile device and the second articulating sectionpivoted to a second orientation relative to the first articulatingsection where pivoting movement is about pivot pins of the firstarticulating section in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holder assemblyshowing the mobile device and the mobile device retaining sectionpivoted to a third orientation relative to the second articulatingsection where the pivoting movement is about pivot pins of the secondarticulating section in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of the vehicle mobile device holder assemblyshowing the mobile device and the mobile device retaining sectionpivoted to a fourth orientation relative to the second articulatingsection where the pivoting movement is about pivot pins of the secondarticulating section in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a top schematic view showing the second articulating sectionpivoted to a first position with pivoting movement being about anupright axis defined by the first articulating section in accordancewith the second embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a top schematic view showing the second articulating sectionpivoted to a second position with pivoting movement being about anupright axis defined by the first articulating section in accordancewith the second embodiment;

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly showing a base in accordance with a third embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with a nineth embodiment; and

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a base of a vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly in accordance with a tenth embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a vehicle mobile device holder assembly10 installed to a beverage container recess 12 (also referred to as acupholder 12) of a vehicle center console assembly 14 is illustrated inaccordance with a first embodiment.

First, a brief description of one example of the vehicle center consoleassembly 14 (also referred to as a center console 14). As shown in FIGS.1-3 and 5 , the center console 14 is a box-like structure that is fixedto a central area of a floor of a vehicle (not shown) between a pair offront seats (not shown) within a vehicle passenger compartment (notshown). The center console 14 has at least one storage compartment 16, abeverage container recess 12 and a beverage container recess 12 a. Thebeverage container recess 12 and the beverage container recess 12 a arebasically recesses formed in an upper surface 18 of the center console14 forward of the storage compartment 16. Each of the beverage containerrecess 12 and the beverage container recess 12 a is shaped and contouredto receive a cup or beverage C, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 13 . Thebeverage container recess 12 is separate and spaced apart from thebeverage container recess 12 a.

However, in some center console designs, such as in the firstembodiment, an open space 20 is defined between the beverage containerrecess 12 and the beverage container recess 12 a. The beverage containerrecess 12 and the beverage container recess 12 a are each designed witha predetermined depth. The depth of the open space 20 can be the same asthe beverage container recess 12 and/or the beverage container recess 12a. Alternatively, the open space 20 can be slightly shallower that thebeverage container recess 12 and the beverage container recess 12 a. Inother words, the depth of the beverage container recess 12 can have afirst depth D₁, the beverage container recess 12 a can have a seconddepth D₂ and the open space 20 can have a third depth D₃ relative to theupper surface 18. The first depth D₁ can be greater or equal to thesecond depth D₂. The third depth D₃ can be less than or equal to thesecond depth D₂, depending upon the overall design of the center console14.

Further some beverage container recesses of center console designs, suchas the beverage container recesses 12 and 12 a of the center console 14of the first embodiment, include spring loaded members 22. Thespring-loaded members 22 are movable structures that are spring biasedby springs S to move toward the center of the beverage containerrecesses 12 and 12 a, as shown in FIG. 5 . The spring loaded members 22can be shaped and dimensioned to pivot about an upper or a lower pivotaxes (not shown) or can be positioned within opening in the surfacesthat define the beverage container recesses 12 and 12 a such that theyare restrained against further movement into the beverage containerrecesses 12 and 12 a than is shown in, for example, FIGS. 2 and 5 . Thespring loaded members 22 are easily moved by compression forces actingagainst the springs S to move into a pocket within the walls that definethe beverage container recesses 12 and 12 a so that the beveragecontainer C can be raised out of the beverage container recesses 12 and12 a. The spring biasing of the spring S applies sufficient forceagainst the spring loaded members 22 such that the beverage container Cis gently held within one of the beverage container recesses 12 and 12a, thereby limiting movement of the beverage container C regardless ofthe beverage container C is the same size, shape and/or diameter of thebeverage container C. Since such spring-loaded members 22 areconventional structures, further description is omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

A description is now provided of the vehicle mobile device holderassembly 10 (hereinafter referred to as the holder assembly 10) withspecific reference to FIGS. 2-20 .

The holder assembly 10 basically includes a base 28, a firstarticulating section 30, a second articulating section 32 and a mobiledevice retaining section 34.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 8-12 , the base 28 is shaped and dimensionedto fit within a beverage container recess 12 in the center console 14.In other words, the base 28 can be shaped and dimensioned to fit withinand be retained within either of the beverage container recess 12 and 12a. However, in the depicted embodiment for the sake of brevity, the base28 is shown installed only to the beverage container recess 12.

In the first embodiment, the beverage container recess 12 has anon-circular shape and the base 28 is shaped to conform to thenon-circular shape of the beverage container recess 12. Specifically, asshown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the base 28 has a first upright wall section40, a second upright wall section 42 and a third upright wall section44, a fourth upright wall section 46 and a fifth upright wall section48. The first and second upright wall sections 40 and 42 areapproximately perpendicular to one another (plus or minus any valuebetween 1 and 15 degrees), and, the first and third upright wallsections 40 and 44 are approximately perpendicular to one another (plusor minus any value between 1 and 15 degrees).

Further, the second and third upright wall sections 42 and 44 areapproximately parallel to one another (plus or minus any value between 1and 30 degrees).

The fourth upright wall section 46 extends away from the second uprightwall section 42 defining an obtuse angle therebetween. Similarly, thefifth upright wall section 48 extends away from the third upright wallsection 44 defining an obtuse angle therebetween. As shown in FIG. 4 ,the fourth upright wall section 46 defines an upright edge 46 a (a freedistal end) and the fifth upright wall section 48 defines or uprightedge 48 a (a free distal end). Further, the fourth and fifth uprightwall sections 46 and 48 extend in directions that converge toward oneanother. As well, the upright edges 46 a and 48 a respectively of thefourth upright wall section 46 and the fifth upright wall section 48define a gap G therebetween such that with the base 28 installed withinthe beverage container recess 12 of a center console 14 of a passengervehicle, the gap G is located at a rearward portion of the beveragecontainer recess 12. However, if the base 28 is installed within thebeverage container recess 12 a of a center console 14, the gap G wouldbe located at a forward portion of the beverage container recess 12 adue to the shape and configuration of the beverage container recess 12 arelative to the beverage container recess 12. As shown in FIG. 13 , thebeverage container C fits into the base 20 with the first, second,third, fourth and fifth upright wall sections 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 atleast partially surrounding the beverage container C.

At least one of the upright wall sections of the base 28 includes anopening 50 that is located, shaped and dimensioned to receive acorresponding the spring-loaded members 22. In the depicted firstembodiment, each of the first upright wall section 40, the fourthupright wall section 46 and the fifth upright wall section 48 includeone opening 50. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 8-11 , three of thespring-loaded members 22 extend through corresponding openings 22,retaining the base 28 within the beverage container recess 12.

The base 28 also defines an upper edge 28 a that extends along each ofthe first upright wall section 40, the second upright wall section 42,the third upright wall section 44, the fourth upright wall section 46and the fifth upright wall section 48, as shown in FIG. 4 . In thedepicted first embodiment, the entirety upper edge 28 a defines and lieswithin a single plane. In other words, the upper edge 28 a is flat andsmooth, with no contours.

The base 28 also includes an attachment portion 52. In the depictedembodiment, the attachment portion 52 is located at the intersection ofthe first and second upright wall sections 40 and 42. The first, second,third, forth and fifth upright wall sections 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 andthe attachment portion 50 are all formed as a single, monolithic unitaryelement that is, for example, formed from a plastic or polymer materialin a single molding process.

The attachment portion 52 of the base 28 is an elongated thickenedportion of the base 28 that can optionally have an overall cylinder-likeshape. The attachment portion 52 includes a bore or upright extendingopening 52 a that extends most if not all of the height of theattachment portion 52 and the base 28.

The first, second, third, fourth and fifth upright wall sections 40, 42,44, 46 and 48 of the base 28 define an open central area A that isdimension and shaped to receive a beverage container such as thebeverage container C, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 13 .

As shown in FIGS. 6-8 , the first articulating section 30 of the holderassembly 10 includes an elongated pin 56 and an upper end 56 a. Theelongated pin 56 can be inserted through an opening of the upper end 56a, or, can be rigidly fixed to the upper end 56 a. In the depictedembodiment, the upper end 56 a is separate from the elongated pin 56such that the upper end 56 a can pivot about an upright axis A₁ definedby the elongated pin 56, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . The elongated pin56 is inserted into the opening 52 a such that the upper end 56 a of thefirst articulating section 30 can pivot relative to the attachmentportion 52 about the upright axis A₁. The elongated pin 56 can bethreaded into the opening 52 a or can be force fitted into the opening52 a. Preferably, the elongated pin 56 is installed to the opening 52 asuch that the upper end 56 a can be pivoted about the axis A₁, but isprovided with resistance to rotation such that the upper end 56 a can bepivoted, but remains in position after undergoing pivotal movement.

Hence, the first articulating section 30 defines a pivot structure (theupper end 56 a) that is retained by the elongated pin 56 such that theupper end 56 a of the first articulating section 30 pivots about thevertical or upright axis A₁.

The upper end 56 a further includes horizontally oriented openings thatare dimensioned to receive fasteners 58 a and 58 b.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9 , the second articulating section 32 is anelongated member that includes projections at each of its two ends. Thelower end of the second articulating section 32 attaches to the upperend 56 a of the first articulating section 30 via the fasteners 58 a and58 b. Specifically, the fasteners 58 a and 58 b extend through openingsin the projections of the lower end of the second articulating section32 and thread into the horizontal openings in the upper end 56 a of thefirst articulating section 30. With the fasteners 58 a and 58 b beingsecurely tightened, sufficient force is present such that the secondarticulating section 32 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis definedby the fasteners 58 a and 58 b, as shown in FIGS. 16-18 . Due to theforce acting on the lower end of the second articulating section 32 bythe fasteners 58 a and 58 b, the second articulating section 32, oncepivoted, remains in place relative to the upper end 56 a of the firstarticulating section 30.

The upper end of the second articulating section 32 is attached to themobile device retaining section 34 via fasteners 62 a and 62 b, as isdescribed in further detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, 10-20 , the mobile device retaining section 34includes a panel 70, a first clamping part 72 and a second clamping part74. The panel 70 further includes an attachment end 76 that attaches tothe upper end of the second articulating section 32 via the fasteners 62a and 62 b. The fasteners 62 a and 62 b tighten the attachment end 76 ofthe panel 70 such that the panel 70 can pivot about a horizontal axisdefined by the fasteners 62 a and 62 b, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 .However, the force applied by the fasteners 62 a and 62 b is sufficientto maintain the panel 70 in whatever orientation the panel 70 is movedto relative to the upper end of the second articulating section 32.

The first clamping part 72 and the second clamping part 74 aredimensioned and shaped to clamp a mobile device M (for example, a cellphone) in position against the panel 70. The panel 70 includes a recess80 along a lower lip thereof. Each of the first clamping part 72 and thesecond clamping part 74 includes an alignment slider that fits into therecess 80 to ensure linear movement of each of the first clamping part72 and the second clamping part 74 relative to the panel 70. The firstclamping part 72 and the second clamping part 74 are connected to thepanel via pins or fasteners 78 a & 78 b. The first clamping part 72, thesecond clamping part 74 and the fasteners 78 a and 78 b together definea tightening mechanism. Specifically, the tightening mechanism isconfigured to move the first clamping part 72 and the second clampingpart 74 toward and away from one another in order to clamp and releasethe mobile device M relative to the panel 70.

The fasteners 78 a and 78 b thread into threaded openings along thebackside of the panel 70. Each of the fasteners 78 a and 78 b include anannular lip (not shown) received in respective recesses (not shown)formed in the first clamping part 72 and the second clamping part 74that prevent movement between the fasteners 78 a and 78 b and firstclamping part 72 and the second clamping part 74. Consequently, rotationof each of the fasteners 78 a and 78 b causes corresponding movement ofthe corresponding one of the first clamping part 72 and the secondclamping part 74 relative to the panel 70 making it possible to clampthe mobile device M in position against the panel 70.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 13 and 16 the base 28 defines the open central areaA dimension and shaped to receive the beverage container C. It should beunderstood from the drawings and the description herein that the base 28can have any of a variety of shapes and contours and is not limited tothe shape and configuration of the base 28 of the first embodiment. Inthe subsequently presented embodiments, each alternative embodiment ofthe base includes the open central area. A dimension and shaped toreceive the beverage container C.

As shown in FIGS. 16-20 , the dimensions of the various elements of theholder assembly 10 are such that with most standard size cups orbeverage containers, the mobile device M can be positioned above the topof the beverage container C such that the screen of the mobile device Mis unhindered and fully visible to a passenger or driver of the vehicle.

Further, the beam 60 of the second articulating section 32 includes twoparallel portions with a gap therebetween. Hence, as shown in FIGS. 7and 15 , a charging plug P can be easily installed to the mobile deviceM and a cable extending from the charging plug P can extend through thegap between the two parallel portions of the beam 60.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 21-36 , a holder assembly 110 in accordance witha second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and second embodiments, the parts of the secondembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the secondembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity.

The holder assembly 110 includes a base 128, the first articulatingsection 30 (with pin 56, upper end 56 a and fasteners 58 a and 58 b),the second articulating section 32 (with beam 60 and pins or fasteners62 a and 62 b) and a mobile device retaining section 134. The firstarticulating section 30 (with pin 56, upper end 56 a and fasteners 58 aand 58 b) and the second articulating section 32 (with beam 60 and pinsor fasteners 62 a and 62 b) are as described in the first embodiment.Therefore, further description of the first articulating section 30 andthe second articulating section 32 is omitted for the sake of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the base 128 has a tapered cylindrical shape orconical shape that conforms with a corresponding tapered cylindricalshape or conical shape of a beverage container recess 12′ of a vehiclecenter console 14′. The base 128 is formed with a gap G that conforms insize and shape with a similar gap defined between the beverage containerrecess 12′ and a beverage container recess 12 a′ of the vehicle centerconsole 14′.

The base 128 has basically the same function as the base 128 of thefirst embodiment in that it fits within the beverage container recess12′ and holds the holder assembly 110 in position. The base 128 isfurther shaped and configured so that a beverage container can fitwithin the base 128, as described above with reference to the firstembodiment.

The base 128 includes an attachment portion 152 that basically has thesame function as the attachment portion 52 of the first embodiment thatreceives the pin 56 of the first articulating section 30. However, inthe second embodiment, with the base 128 located within the beveragecontainer recess 12′, the attachment portion 152 is in a forward andcentered location relative to the beverage container recess 12′ of thecenter console 14. The base 128 further includes a gap′ that extendsfrom the upper edge of the base 128 to an area that is approximately twothirds (⅔) of the overall height of the base 128. In other words, thegap G′ has an overall U-shape.

The mobile device retaining section 134 replaces the mobile deviceretaining section 34 of the first embodiment. As is clear from thedescription below, the mobile device retaining section 134 can replacethe mobile device retaining section 34 of the first embodiment and isnot limited to use in the holder assembly 110 of the second embodiment.

The mobile device retaining section 134 includes a first attachmentstructure 176 and a second attachment structure 176 a. The firstattachment structure 176 is pivotally attached to the upper end of thebeam 60 via the pins or fasteners 62 a and 62 b such that the firstattachment structure 176 can be pivoted about the horizontal axisdefined by the fasteners 62 a and 62 b, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 .Similarly, the beam 60 can be pivoted about the horizontal axis definedby the fasteners 58 a and 58 b, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 . Further,as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36 , the beam 60 and upper end 56 a of thefirst articulating section 30 can be pivoted about the vertical axis A₁defined by the pin 56.

The first attachment structure 176 has a first portion with disc-likeshape and a second portion that includes a pair of projections 182(FIGS. 26-28 ) that extend away from one another and are spaced apartfrom the first portion. The second attachment structure 176 a has afirst side that attaches to a mobile device M via, for example, anadhesive material) and a second side that defines a pair of slots 184open to an annular recessed area 186. The gaps or slots 184 are shapedand dimensioned to receive the pair of projections 182 of the firstattachment structure 176 such that the second attachment structure 176 acan be releasably retained to the first attachment structure 176. Morespecifically, the projections 182 can be inserted through the slots 184and into the annular recessed area 186. Thereafter, the secondattachment structure 176 a and the mobile device NI can be rotated 90degrees relative to the first attachment structure 176, retaining thesecond attachment structure 176 a and the mobile device M to the secondarticulating section 32.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 37 , a base 228 in accordance with a thirdembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the samereference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The parts of the third embodiment that differ from the parts ofthe first embodiment will be indicated with a double prime (″).

The base 228 is shown with the holder assembly 10 (with the base 28being replaced by the base 228). The base 228 has a cylindrical shapewith a gap G″ that has upper edges that diverge away from one anotherextending upward.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 38 , a base 328 in accordance with a fourthembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and fourth embodiments, the parts of the fourth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the fourth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for thesake of brevity.

The base 328 is similar to the base 128 of the second embodiment in thatthe base 328 is cylindrically or conically shaped and further includesan attachment portion 352. However, the base 328 further includes a gapG that extends the entire height of the base 328.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 39 , a base 428 in accordance with a fifthembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and fifth embodiments, the parts of the fifth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the samereference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the fifth embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

The base 428 is similar to the base 128 of the second embodiment and thebase 328 of the fourth embodiment in that the base 428 is cylindricallyor conically shaped. However, in the fifth embodiment, an attachmentportion 452 of the fifth embodiment is formed with the base 428 at alocation that is off-center, similar to the attachment portion 52 of thefirst embodiment.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 40 , a base 528 in accordance with a sixthembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and sixth embodiments, the parts of the sixth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the samereference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the sixth embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

The base 528 is similar to the base 128 of the second embodiment and thebase 328 of the fourth embodiment in that the base 428 is cylindricallyor conically shaped. However, in the sixth embodiment, the base 528includes a first gap 1G that extends the entire height of the base 528and a second gap 2G that only extends about half way down from the upperedge of the base 528, thereby defining a gap that has an overallU-shape.

Although not shown, some center consoles include side-by-side beveragerecesses. The second gap 2G of the base 528 can be shaped anddimensioned to correspond to an open space between side-by-side beveragerecesses.

SEVENTH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 41 , a base 628 in accordance with a seventhembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and seventh embodiments, the parts of the seventh embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the seventh embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for thesake of brevity.

The base 628 is similar to the base 128 of the second embodiment and thebase 328 of the fourth embodiment in that the base 428 is cylindricallyor conically shaped. However, in the seventh embodiment, the base 628has an attachment portion 652 that is off center in a manner similar tothe attachment portion 52 of the first embodiment. Further, an upperedge of the base 628 tapers downward from front to back. In other wordsthe front end of the base 628 is taller than a rearward end thereofproximate the gap G.

EIGHTH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 42 , a base 728 in accordance with an eighthembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and eighth embodiments, the parts of the eighth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the eighth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for thesake of brevity.

The base 728 has a forward section 728 a that has a semi-circular shapealong an upper edge thereof, and include two wall sections 728 a and 728b that are not curved. Further the two wall sections 728 a and 728 bextend toward each other but define a gap 7G therebetween. Further, theforward section 728 a has a first overall height. The two wall sections728 a and 728 b define a second height at their respective intersectionswith the forward section 728 a, the second height being less than thefirst overall height. More specifically, the two wall sections 728 a and728 b define a step down at their respective intersections with theforward section 728 a.

NINETH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 43 , a base 828 in accordance with a ninethembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and nineth embodiments, the parts of the nineth embodiment thatare identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given thesame reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover,the descriptions of the parts of the nineth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for thesake of brevity.

The base 828 has a has a semi-circular or conical shape. The base 828includes an attachment section 852 that is centered when installed to acenter console. The base 828 defines an upper edge that includes asemi-circular edge portion 828 a, second portion 828 b and a thirdportion 828 c. The edge portion 828 a has a first overall height. Thesecond and third portions 828 b and 828 c have a second overall heightthat is less than the first overall height, thereby defining step downportions of the upper edge of the base 828.

TENTH EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 44 , a base 928 in accordance with a tenthembodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between thefirst and tenth embodiments, the parts of the tenth embodiment that areidentical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the samereference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the tenth embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

The base 928 includes has a first upright wall section 940, a secondupright wall section 942 and a third upright wall section 944, a fourthupright wall section 946 and a fifth upright wall section 948. The firstand second upright wall sections 940 and 942 are approximatelyperpendicular to one another (plus or minus any value between 1 and 15degrees), and, the first and third upright wall sections 940 and 944 areapproximately perpendicular to one another (plus or minus any valuebetween 1 and 15 degrees).

Further, the second and third upright wall sections 942 and 944 areapproximately parallel to one another (plus or minus any value between 1and 30 degrees).

The fourth upright wall section 946 extends away from the second uprightwall section 942 defining an obtuse angle therebetween. Similarly, thefifth upright wall section 948 extends away from the third upright wallsection 944 defining an obtuse angle therebetween. Further, the fourthand fifth upright wall sections 946 and 948 extend in directions thatconverge toward one another. As well, the fourth upright wall section946 and the fifth upright wall section 948 define a gap 9G therebetweensuch that with the base 928 installed within the beverage containerrecess 12 of a center console 14 of a passenger vehicle, the gap 9G islocated at a rearward portion of the beverage container recess 12.However, if the base 928 is installed within the beverage containerrecess 12 a of a center console 14, the gap 9G would be located at aforward portion of the beverage container recess 12 a due to the shapeand configuration of the beverage container recess 12 a relative to thebeverage container recess 12.

The base 928 further includes an attachment portion 952 that is centeredon the first upright wall section 940. The attachment portion 952 isconfigured to receive the pin 56 thereby supporting the remainder of theholder assembly 10 (not shown in FIG. 44 )

The center console assembly 14 and related features thereof areconventional components that are well known in the art. Since suchfeatures are well known in the art, these structures will not bediscussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components canbe any type of structure and/or programming that can be used to carryout the present invention.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiments, the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe thepresent invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equippedwith the vehicle mobile device holder assembly.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe an element, assembly,component, section or part of a structure that is dimensioned andconstructed to carry out the desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle mobile device holder assembly,comprising: a center console assembly of a passenger vehicle having abeverage container recess that includes a plurality of upright wallsections, at least one of the upright wall sections having aspring-loaded member that extends into the beverage container recess andis movable by compression forces into a pocket within the at least oneof the upright wall sections; a base shaped and dimensioned to fitwithin the beverage container recess in the center console, the basehaving an open central area dimensioned and shaped to receive a beveragecontainer, the base further including an attachment portion, the basehaving a first upright wall section, a second upright wall section, athird upright wall section, a fourth upright wall section and a fifthupright wall section, the first and second upright wall sections beingapproximately perpendicular to one another and the first and thirdupright wall sections being approximately perpendicular to one another,the fourth upright wall section extending from the second upright wallsection defining an obtuse angle therebetween, and, the fifth uprightwall section extending from the third upright wall section defining anobtuse angle therebetween, respective upright edges of the fourthupright wall section and the fifth upright wall section define a gaptherebetween, the attachment portion being located at an intersection ofthe first upright wall section and the second upright wall section, atleast one of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth upright wallsections has an opening that is shaped, dimensioned and positioned toreceive the spring-loaded member of the beverage container recess suchthat the spring-loaded member retains the base within the beveragecontainer recess; a first articulating section attached to theattachment portion of the base; and a second articulating sectionattached to the first articulating section, the second articulatingsection having a mobile device retaining section.
 2. The vehicle mobiledevice holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the attachmentportion of the base includes an upright extending opening, and the firstarticulating section includes an elongated pin inserted into the uprightextending opening such that the elongated pin and the first articulatingsection pivot relative to the attachment portion about an upright axis.3. The vehicle mobile device holder assembly according to claim 2,wherein the first articulating section includes a pivot structureattached to an upper end of the elongated pin such that the firstarticulating section pivots about a horizontal axis defined by the pivotstructure.
 4. The vehicle mobile device holder assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the mobile device retaining section includes a pair ofclamping members and a tightening mechanism configured to move the pairof clamping members toward and away from one another.
 5. The vehiclemobile device holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mobiledevice retaining section includes a first member attached to the firstarticulating section for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. 6.The vehicle mobile device holder assembly according to claim 5, whereinthe first member of the mobile device retaining section includes a firstattachment structure having a pair of projections that extend away fromone another, and a second attachment structure having a first side thatattaches to a mobile device and a second side defining a recessed areashaped and dimensioned to receive the pair of projections of the firstattachment structure such that the second attachment structure isreleasably retained to the first attachment structure.
 7. The vehiclemobile device holder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base hasan upper edge with the entirety of the upper edge defining a singleplane.
 8. The vehicle mobile device holder assembly according to claim1, wherein the base has a first upper edge section and a second upperedge section with the entirety of the first upper edge section defininga first plane and the second upper edge section defining a second planethat is spaced apart from the first plane.
 9. The vehicle mobile deviceholder assembly according to claim 1, wherein the beverage containerrecess of the center console assembly includes a second spring-loadedmember that extends into the beverage container recess and is movable bycompression forces into a second pocket within another of the uprightwall sections; another of the first, second, third, fourth and fifthupright wall sections has a second opening that is shaped, dimensionedand positioned to receive the second spring-loaded member of thebeverage container recess such that the second spring-loaded member alsoretains the base within the beverage container recess.